Casa de las Conchas, Gothic mansion in Salamanca, Spain
Casa de las Conchas is a noble residence combining Gothic and Plateresque styles in central Salamanca. Its stone facade displays more than 300 scallop shells carved in relief across the entire surface.
Construction began in 1493 under Rodrigo Arias de Maldonado, a knight of the Order of Santiago, and was completed in 1517. The architecture reflects the shift from late medieval times to the Renaissance.
The scallop shells on the facade reflect the Maldonado family's connection to the Order of Santiago, which used the shell as its emblem. Visitors also notice iron-forged windows with geometric patterns typical of Spanish craftsmanship during that period.
The building now houses a public library with reading rooms and research materials. The inner courtyard can be visited during library opening hours on weekdays.
The shells protrude from the facade at different angles, creating a play of light and shadow. Each shell was hand-carved into the stone.
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